TIU MODIFICATION - SERVICE BULLETIN

Thanks Barry. The attached pdf did state only version L. I was guessing that's because of the statement about removing the previous mods?

Note that if you are not an MTH Authorized Center technician (ASC) and you damage any TIU while attempting to install the modification, any and all warranties regarding the TIU so affected are voided.

Larry

Joe,

I was guessing that's because of the statement about removing the previous mods?

Perhaps.

I'm not clear as to whether this mod SHOULD be done or COULD be done on my rev L TIUs.  Should it be done to fix the 10-11-12 mod, or for any REV L TIU whether past-modded or not?

IF MTH has recognized that there is an under-rated part in their product, does that mean they will do the mod for you at no charge or pay an ASC to do it?

Not trying to create an issue, just trying to determine if MTH is saying, "Your REV L TIU has a defective part that will not handle all TVS issues so we will fix it for you", or "Your REV L TIU has a defective part that will not handle all TVS issues so get it fixed at your expense, if you feel like paying for the parts and labor"

I do appreciate the work done by AGHR and MTH in identifying this issue. If an issue that has been discovered and documented by a company and might occur,   on most products you'd get a notice and bring it in for a fix at no cost.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

….to prevent failure of the DCS signal generators in heavy use situations. 

Ed, I would think this answers your question?

Joe,

Not sure.  Is "heavy use" defined as use ABOVE the rated loads that are advertised in the specs, or WITHIN the advertised specs?

Seems to me that if you're using the TIU with loads that it's advertised to handle, the mod should be covered by MTH.

I think our club TIUs, my modular TIUs, and my personal TIUS are used with within-spec loads, but it sounds like they might fail to protect from some TVS events, no?  In each of theses situations, we've seen the error messages indicated, while the remote-measured signal levels were 8-10 in the same operating session.... probably run at about 80% of advertised load.

I see your point Ed. I would have to include my TIUs as well then as I run enough engines in a consist to qualify by that description.

I will be in need of a new TIU shortly.  Any ideas when the new mod will be available to buy and how to identify that the TIU is the latest version?

I really don't want to buy a TIU and then have to send it back to get fixed, if it means waiting, I'd rather wait.

NHVRYGray posted:

I will be in need of a new TIU shortly.  Any ideas when the new mod will be available to buy and how to identify that the TIU is the latest version?

I really don't want to buy a TIU and then have to send it back to get fixed, if it means waiting, I'd rather wait.

I have four TIUs and have never had one fail. I understand wanting the mod though.

NHVRYGray posted:

I will be in need of a new TIU shortly.  Any ideas when the new mod will be available to buy and how to identify that the TIU is the latest version?

I really don't want to buy a TIU and then have to send it back to get fixed, if it means waiting, I'd rather wait.

I don't see anything in the document that suggests that this "fix" will be included in future TIUs.  Much like the questions I pose, the document doesn't seem to address whether current or future TIUs will have the new parts incorporated, or how the clearly defined issue (by MTH) will be addressed for customers.

Question: At some point did MTH start adding the 10-11-12 mod to all new Rev L TIUs?

As noted, MTH doesn't stock the parts that are required for the new mod.

I know we're talking toy trains here but, if a company defines a problem with one of their products and determines that there is a viable solution to address the problem, I think it is their responsibility to do what is necessary to resolve the manufacturing "defect" - that's what this is, as is clearly obvious in their published documentation provided above. 

Maybe they will....additional information required.

I love that they used my quick ms-paint doodle in the bulletin. I hope I drew it right!

Eddie,

I don't see anything in the document that suggests that this "fix" will be included in future TIUs

Jason's post on the other thread indicates that this fix will be incorporated in future production TIUs.

eddiem posted:

I don't see anything in the document that suggests that this "fix" will be included in future TIUs.  Much like the questions I pose, the document doesn't seem to address whether current or future TIUs will have the new parts incorporated, or how the clearly defined issue (by MTH) will be addressed for customers.

Question: At some point did MTH start adding the 10-11-12 mod to all new Rev L TIUs?

As noted, MTH doesn't stock the parts that are required for the new mod.

I know we're talking toy trains here but, if a company defines a problem with one of their products and determines that there is a viable solution to address the problem, I think it is their responsibility to do what is necessary to resolve the manufacturing "defect" - that's what this is, as is clearly obvious in their published documentation provided above. 

Maybe they will....additional information required.

MTHRD posted in another thread that going forward all newly manufactured REV. L TIU's will have this update applied.

I have two REV. L TIUs and both have the first mod(ification). Both are working just fine, and after running a scope on them they do not exhibit the problems pointed out in Adrian's other thread. If it ain't broke then why should MTH recall all REV. L TIU's if they are working just fine.

I put this in the same category as the transmission in my wifes new car. Turns out there is a service bulletin on it that states a sensor may fail and cause the car to shift erratically between 1st and 2nd.  This is a fix that is only applied if the problem is occurring on the vehicle, not return all units to the dealerships and fix immediately. My truck has about a dozen service bulletins like this that will only be addressed if the failing part is actually failing or it is convenient for the mechanic to replace / repair the part. But I don't expect FORD to take out my transmission and spend hours tearing it apart to address a minor issue of the speedometer jumping from 0 - 5 MPH when accelerating. If something else happens that warrants them to remove and disassemble the transmission, then yes, install the updated part.

My feeling, any REV. L TIU that is return to MTH for any reason should have this fix applied beings that the TIU will be apart and it is handy for a qualified technician to replace the needed parts for almost nothing. If a TIU is suffering from this problem specifically, MTH should repair it at no cost. I don't believe that every TIU should be returned and this expected to be updated for free.

Adrian! posted:

I love that they used my quick ms-paint doodle in the bulletin. I hope I drew it right!

I thought that looked familiar!

Describe heavy use ?

Clem

Clem,

Describe heavy use

One example would be whatever caused the TIU to fail on the AGHR layout.

clem k posted:

Describe heavy use ?

Clem

THIS IS REAL:

12:15pm  Train 1 derails on switch 5
12:17pm  Train 2 derails on switch 16
12:19pm  Train 3 hits Train 1, both derail
12:22pm  Train 4 is placed on the track while power is on and sparking all over
12:23pm  Train 4 derails on switch 1
12:29pm  Train 3 hits train 4, both derail
12:33pm  Train 1 derails on switch 5
12:35pm  Train 3 hits train 2, Train 2 derails
12:41pm  Emergency stop
12:43pm  Train 1 & 2 derail on switch 5 and 6 respectively
12:45pm  Train 3 hits train 1

"...the thing about trains is they are on this thing called a "track" and that makes it possible to look ahead and determine where a train will go before it goes there. Using this powerful concept you can make the train go only where you want it to go yet somehow every Saturday I come in here and..." - AJT 2017

Thanks for posting, Barry.

I note the tech bulletin also addresses another issue that has plagued TIUs since Rev G:  the tendency of nuts on the terminals to loosen.  I have added internal star washers and lock nuts to overcome this, rather than use Loktite.  But I encourage y'all not to overlook this item.  Be sure not to overtighten.

Is this addition appropriate for Revs earlier than Rev L?